Device to aid in carrying objects with neck lanyard and bag

ABSTRACT

A carrying device that is constructed to enable a user that requires the use of crutches, to comfortably carry objects hands free for short distances, with a maximum weight of four to five pounds. The device is a soft, woven lanyard that is applied over the head and around ones neck, which utilizes a carabineer attachment, and opens for attachment of a vinyl bag. The carrying device includes a generally rectangular bag with an open top. The size of the bag is generally 4×8×12 inches. The carabineer device closes to secure the bag while the top of the bag remains open for placement of items inside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices that aid in carrying objects for persons that require the use of crutches, more particularly, a device that receives a bag, and enables the user to easily carry small, lightweight items, for short periods. The inventor is Gary B. Price, U.S. Citizen, 6025 Port of Dreams Drive, Las Vegas, Nev., 89130

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of crutches has become extremely common for persons that injure their legs or any lower extremity. Crutches are likely the most widely used medical aid for those that are temporarily injured but are still able to function and walk. For those that are still able to be on their feet, crutches are more stable than another any other alternative such as the cane or walker.

The major drawback to crutches is that they can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable to use. For all persons that have to endure the use of crutches, a free hand to carry the most simple and small objects is invaluable, and using one of two hands while manipulating crutches is a challenge to one's dexterity, and to one's safety. The most basic of life's functions which is carrying a simple lightweight object often becomes a challenge or uneasy task. A lightweight and comfortable lanyard with a vinyl bag attached is an ideal tool for carrying lightweight objects in a safe and comfortable manner while on crutches.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means to comfortably and safely carry objects with a neck lanyard and bag. It is further an objective for the present invention to provide a device that enables the user to easily place and carry objects for short distances. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a device that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a carrying device constructed to enable a user to safely and comfortably carry objects for short distances with a neck lanyard and bag, the epitome of such objects weighing roughly four to five pounds. The carrying device of the present invention comprises generally a woven lanyard of sufficient size to be worn around the neck and hung down the approximate sternum location, whereas a carabineer hook attachment opens to secure a vinyl bag, in which lightweight items can be placed into for hands free carry.

An advantage of the present invention is that it allows the user (required to use crutches) to safely and comfortably carry objects within the area of the bag, eliminating the unsafe practice of using one of two available hands and arms, both of which are required to be placed on the crutch handles for proper use and safety being paramount. Another similar advantage is the elimination of a common occurring unsafe practice of carrying grocery style plastic bags with one of the dedicated crutch hands. In this extremely common unsafe practice, users secure bags with their crutch hands, with said bags swinging the opposite way of the crutch user as they walk, and the bags banging back and forth on the crutch, causing instability. With the present invention, objects inside the bag remain secure while the bag moves forward with the user, and up against the user's sternum area, without any of the mentioned hazards.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention as described herein and as illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the carrying device of the present invention in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrying device by itself.

FIG. 3 is a reverse view of the upper area of the device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the lower portion of the device.

FIG. 5 is a reverse view of the lower portion of the device.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the devices locking element in a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPONENT PARTS

-   -   Item 1 is the vinyl bag     -   Item 2 is the carabineer hook between the vinyl bag and the key         ring     -   Item 3 is the neck lanyard     -   Item 4 is the open area on the neck lanyard, where users' heads         are placed     -   Item 5 is the material between the neck lanyard and the key ring     -   Item 6 is the metal eyelet on the vinyl bag     -   Item 7 is the reverse side of the vinyl bag where a metal rib is         sewn inside     -   Item 8 is the portion of the carabineer hook that pivots and         closes automatically upon release.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, the present invention is a carrying device. The carrying device, comprising FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6 is constructed to enable a user to safely and comfortably carry objects utilizing a lightweight woven lanyard and vinyl bag. The carrying device comprises generally a rectangular main body. The main body is attached to an upper body, necklace shaped, and the lower section ends with a round keychain style loop, where a small carabineer attaches and secures a vinyl bag. The shape of the device causes the weight of the objects to be carried in the vinyl bag and against the user's sternum area and while moving forward with the user's body, as the user walks with crutches.

FIG. 1 represents a user utilizing the present invention in its intended capacity. The upper section of the device is item 3, consisting of a soft lanyard approximately 16 inches in length, 1⅝ inch in width, with a general oval shape. The lower area of this section is stitched together with a similar piece of fabric material, 2 inches in length, and 1 inch width. This stitched area ends with a small rectangle piece with its lower portion being able to receive a 1 inch round key ring Item 6. The key ring or Item 6 hooks onto a small two inch carabineer attachment shown as Item 2. The carabineer's overall length is 3 inches, with its widest dimension being 1⅕ inches. The carabineer also hooks the vinyl bag known as Item 1 through a ¾ inch outside dimension eyelet.

FIG. 2 is a stand alone portrait of the complete neck lanyard and vinyl bag attachment without the user. This stand alone view is the front view of the present invention. The description of FIG. 2 is identical to FIG. 1 except the user is not portrayed.

FIG. 3 is an up close view of the neck lanyard or Item 3, and the attached key ring or Item 6. Item 4 is the open area where the user's head is placed. The inside dimension of the lanyard where the user places their head for use is approximately 11 inches, with a smaller version for children being roughly 8 inches. Item 5 is the material sewn onto Item 3 and which secures the key ring Item 6. Item 6 is a 1 inch key ring which is affixed to the neck lanyard.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the vinyl bag attachment, Item 1. Item 2 is the carabineer hook attached atop of the vinyl bag. Item 7 represents the ribbed area where a ¼ inch diameter metal rib approximately 5″ is sewn into the back side of the vinyl bag. This metal rib is a round metal rod with an approximate 3/16 round dimension. This metal rib's dimension is not critical as it provides a basic stability in shape for the vinyl bag, with minimal weight pulling on the bag.

FIG. 5 represents the reverse side of the vinyl bag attachment. Item 2 is the carabineer hook that is affixed to the neck lanyard and also to the vinyl bag via the eyelet hole, Item 6. Item 7 displays the location of the sewn-in metal rib, used to maintain shape stability of the bag when items are placed inside.

FIG. 6, Item 2, is an up close portrait, nearly 1:1 scale of its actual size of the carabineer hook in its closed position. Item 5 is the material from the neck lanyard, which attaches to the carabineer hook. Item 8 is the area of the carabineer that pivots on its upper end. A dotted line represents the angle at which the carabineer hook is opened when pressed with the user's finger.

The above disclosure is not intended as limiting. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be constructed as limited only by the restrictions of the appended claims. 

1. A carrying device comprising: a main body with a general rectangular shape, said main body comprises an upper and lower section; wherein said upper section comprises a woven lanyard with a key ring loop, with an attached carabineer locking device that sufficiently attaches to a vinyl bag through a small eyelet ring on the upper area of the carrying bag.
 2. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein: said carabineer locking device comprises a “D” ring shape with a locking/unlocking mechanism that when in the opened position, receives the vinyl carrying bag through the bag's eyelet ring. When the carabineer is allowed to lock by its normal setting position, the vinyl bag is locked in place and allows for movement but remains in a locked position with the carabineer.
 3. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein: said lanyard comprises a soft, flexible, hanging soft, woven belt-like device and hangs around the user's neck with a stitched loop at the end, by with a small round key ring is attached. The carabineer attachment secures into place between the key ring and the vinyl bag carrying attachment. 